Anglican Peace Paper Published
Episcopal News Service. December 4, 1986 [86254]
LONDON (DPS, Dec. 4) -- The Anglican Peace and Justice Network has just published an eight-page working paper and study document in preparation for the Lambeth Conference 1988.
The paper is intended for parishes and groups in dioceses around the world to use for study and discussion on peace and justice issues. The aim is that these groups then feed back their discussion to their bishop, who will bring the views of his diocese to the Lambeth Conference.
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Habgood, who will chair the section on Christianity and the Social Order, writes: "I hope that this guide will be used extensively, especially in those dioceses whose bishops will be participating in the Christianity and Social Order section of Lambeth Conference. It is vital that bishops encourage their dioceses to make use of this study guide in order that they be briefed in readiness for Lambeth."
The Anglican Peace and Justice Network was formed by the Anglican Consultative Council in 1984. Its purpose is to provide a forum for those already working on peace and Justice issues within the Communion, so that they can share their concerns and expertise, help each other and stimulate further thought, awareness and actions within the Communion. This purpose includes establishing additional provincial Peace and Justice units, so that members of the Communion can discuss their local/regional concerns. In 1985, the Anglican Consultative Council asked the Network to prepare this study document to enable Communion-wide discussion on peace and justice.
The document, in newspaper form, will be of special interest and use to the clergy and laity and is divided into four parts: Sovereignty and Christian Citizenship, Human Rights and Responsibilities, Economic Relationships and Christian Peacemaking. The paper's General Editor is the Rev. Prebendary John Gladwin of the Church of England's Board for Social Responsibility.
Christian Citizenship -- The paper discusses what it means to belong to two worlds as citizens of heaven and citizens on earth. There is an analysis of what this dual citizenship means in America today and the lack of citizenship faced by the majority of South Africans. The section concludes with a reflection on the prophet Jeremiah's understanding of loyalty and gives suggestions for a group Bible study.
Human Rights and Responsibilities -- The Christian Basis of Human Rights -- This Section discusses the Christian basis for human rights and gives three case studies where human rights are denied, showing what it means to be a Christian in these situations: Christians in Palestine, the Poor in Brazil and the Oppression of Women.
In Search of Equity In Economic Structures -- This section calls for Anglicans to recover the biblical understanding of wealth. It calls on the Communion to set an example and educate and encourage others in a right attitude towards wealth. In contrasting case studies on Wales and the Philippines, the paper shows how economic forces can deny biblical values. The paper concludes with a series of questions on the issue.
Perspectives on Christian Peacemaking -- This section contrasts the view "If you want peace, prepare for war," so common in society today, with the Christian view, "If you want peace, work for justice." The paper contrasts the way of war with the Christian understanding of peace, hope and justice. In case studies on Ireland, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the paper discusses three different ways of peacemaking and in a Bible study asks: "How can you be a peacemaker?"
Copies of "Peace and Justice A Working Paper For Lambeth 1988" are available from: The Rev. Charles A. Cesaretti, The Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017.